Color Makes My Heart Sing!

I've been asked to do another whole house project in Charleston, SC. 

It's always a pleasure to work in the South...even nicer if we try to install it in early winter instead of mid summer! Last December, Jackie and I flew down to take a look at the project. It was inspiring and exciting! As we drove through the downtown suburb, Jackie made the comment, "This is beautiful. It's like Bucks County meets the Live Oaks"! She was correct. The neighborhood was full of historic charm, lush vegetation and  live oak trees with Spanish moss! Bucks County and Charleston married into one fabulous neighborhood. We knew we were off to a good start and a project that we would enjoy. I think you'll enjoy following our progress.

 You'll have to admit, it's a pretty happy pallet! I've always been a lover of color and this vision of chartreuse, coral, cream and taupe just makes my heart sing! 

We proposed it to our client and she did not hesitate. *sigh*

We're out of the gate and running!

 We'll be using some graphic and colorful papers for the dining room, powder room, master vestibule and possibly foyer...

 

We selected graphite and coral for the great room, a slight variation on the theme.

Can you just imagine the fun we'll have with accessories and art?!

You can watch for some further updates over the next few months! It will take most of the remainder of 2012 to complete the design, but I'll keep you posted for a fun ride. 

Yes, definitely installation in early February! A great time for a trip to Charleston. 

Come see the magic.

Atlanta Birthday Bash!

Every year for the past 20 (!) Linda has spent her birthday with me. Well, I think there was one (the year she turned 40) that she was not present...that's a pretty long track record! I'm not sure I would be so magnanimous myself to spend this special day year after year working, walking, documenting, searching, fighting for an elevator, walking...walking...walking...(did I mention walking?) I can count three of her four pregnancies that she was a trouper. I can tell you that there is no one who is more entertaining, more brilliant, more intuitive, more stylish, more energetic, more focused and more just plain fun to work with than Linda. Almost hourly, someone asks us if we are sisters. (I suppose I would qualify for the wicked older stepsister)...Occasionally, I help her with a design project with my insight. For the most part, it's all about Black-eyed Susan and the quest for new and exciting merchandise. She is the total voice of reason with the benefit of quick wit and style. Thank you, Linda for so many years of support and hard work.

Here's a quick report of a few of our findings today! After all, look at the time and my 6:00am alarm goes off again tomorrow morning...




Fabulously serious chartreuse urn! A definite.












:: Monastery table for client...check.










::Companion Paris 16 Bookcase for
same client...check.


:: Paris 16 sideboard! So grande. Check.
















What could be more delightful than this heavy glass over sized bowl filled with chartreuse mood moss...a signature accent at Black-eyed Susan. Check.


::Day one, check.

Thanks, Linda, for another personal and special day given to the cause. You're my darling friend and blessing. Happy Birthday.

No More Shoes

Today we packed up and loaded the car and then headed off for one more day of buying. About an hour into the trek, I realized that I had exhausted my shoe wardrobe of anything that could remotely carry me through another day in even slight comfort! It's time to go home.

We spent the day shopping for fun things for the store, as well as a few customer requests that I needed to resource. The market was absolutely empty! It was bliss. No lines. No waiting for the elevator. No crowds in the elevator. On other hand, there were also no salespeople. No food. No complimentary water. You get the picture. The last day of market is only for the die-hards. Anyone who is left roaming the floors is a kindred spirit.

We selected 4 floors that had a concentration of home accents and went to work covering every showroom on each floor.Here are just a few of the great finds that I ordered today for the store. I think you'll be excited as I when they arrive!

Delightful course linen printed chair with colors that were calling my name!

Equally fabulous coffee table (never mind that rug!). Great style. Great size. Great price.

I love this new interpretation of a dining room chandelier with glass drum shades.

Yes! A chartreuse lamp!! Be still my heart.

In another showroom altogether, this artwork themed around, you guessed it, chartreuse!

While perusing multiple art showrooms, I found this very exciting print of a baby grand piano.

I placed an order for this favorite of years past in the hope that my darling friend, Lisa, will fall in love with it for her new Ralph Lauren inspired den now being designed.

Trophy vases. I love them! I have a collection of vintage ones, and I can never get enough. These reproductions are a great fools eye addition, soon to be arriving! (I'm sure Ralph would approve).

A box of old books, made to look even older could not be resisted. I'll find many uses for these treasures.

At the end of the day, we came across this quote by Henry Thoreau! My mother and I used to have favorite calendars with quotes that we would share each day. I kept a file of my favorites, and this was one. It brought back many memories of good times with my hero. Who wouldn't want this as an office statement piece?!

We left the market with a full bag of orders, new resources, and jewels from the cash and carry. Many pair of shoes later,and loaded with piles of purchase orders to sort, new Christmas stories to be revealed next October, preferred resources to share, and too many new ideas for two design minds to hold, we headed for Charlotte, NC.

I'd say we had a successful and productive trip. As for myself, I may have a nap on the plane ride home tomorrow.